Islamic Senior High School of Sabilillah Malang Boarding School with a Pesantren System has sent its 12th-grade students into the field as part of its mission to develop future leaders with strong character, innovation, and problem-solving skills. Through Project-Based Learning (PjBL) program, the students engaged directly with local communities in a meaningful activity: collaborating with Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Lang-lang and Toyomarto Villages, Malang Regency.
This two-day activity, held on May 8–9, 2025, integrates multiple subjects such as Entrepreneurship, Sociology, and Informatics. Under the theme “Grow Beyond: Strengthening Life Skills for the Future,” students were not only learning in the field but also actively contributing to the development of local MSMEs through mentoring, research, and real-world innovations.
Before heading to the field, students received training on basic business analysis, interview techniques, branding design, and digital marketing strategies. Upon arrival, they were divided into small groups and assigned to assist various MSMEs operating in diverse sectors, including catering services, cassava chips production, steamed banana bread making, synthetic rattan crafts, and sponge sandal manufacturing.
In Lang-lang Village, one group assisted a synthetic rattan craft business by creating a digital catalog and uploading products to local marketplace platforms, based on their on-site survey. They also explored hands-on skills such as weaving techniques, problem-solving to maintain quality standards, and avoiding production errors that could lead to financial loss. Meanwhile, in Toyomarto Village, other student groups conducted research on production methods and marketing approaches, and developed strategic plans to support both the manufacturing and promotional needs of the businesses.
Through this initiative, the school hopes the experience goes beyond a simple visit—it is a real-world implementation of project-based learning that integrates knowledge, skills, and social empathy. The school envisions that students will not only learn from the community but also contribute meaningfully, embodying the spirit of transformative education.
This project has opened many eyes to the fact that high school students can indeed become agents of social change. In addition to strengthening academic knowledge, the activity fosters empathy, a collaborative spirit, and readiness to face real-world challenges. The initiative will continue with the next phases including analysis, execution, and reflection, culminating in a final presentation.
Through this program, SMA Islam Sabilillah Malang Boarding School does more than teach students to think critically and creatively—it also instills in them the importance of becoming individuals who bring positive impact to their surroundings.
